Month: May 2014

In the eyes of the uninitiated, the golf club swing seem to require only the simplest of movements. Just keep your eyes on the ground, stand with your knees slightly bent, and then let your hands swing their way to the ball. How can anyone possible get this wrong?

But what separates newbies from the amateurs, and the amateurs from the professionals, lie in the swing. A movement that looks simple enough on paper is actually the result of years and years of training. Professionals have studied the physics of the golf club swing down to the minutest of minutia. This is the reason why the movement looks naturally effortless to them.

Now, the steps below will not magically turn you into the next Tiger Woods, but they can provide a succinct guideline on how to improve your swing, which, in turn, can help you step up your game.

1. Balance, balance, balance!

Try to place your weight in the middles of your feet, with you hips not too far back, and your knees slightly flexed. You know that your posture is right if you feel comfortable enough and you can turn from side to side without reorienting your weight.

2. Take note of the order of the swing.

The swing movement should start from the clubhead, to your hands, arms, shoulders, and then finally the hips. Make sure to keep your right arm stay as close as possible to the right side of your body, while your weigh keep shifting to the right. Also be sure to have good sturdy golf shoes.

3. Take note of your arms, halfway back.

As you load up for the swing, look at the position of your arms. The momentum of your movement should naturally help you position your arms. The club forms a 90-degree angle with your left arm, and your shoulders are starting to rotate. From this position, you can actually feel the power loading up for the swing.

4. Stretch for the swing.

To complete the backswing, simply turn your shoulders. In this position, the hips are turned only half as far as the shoulders. Now, the left arm should be straight yet not locked or rigid, while the elbow of the right hand should be pointed at the ground. The right Golf shoes can help to anchor our feet to the turf and aid in your drive.

5. Swing down.

Move the left knee and hip over the left foot. This movement starts the swing by causing your arms to drop. Don’t “throw” the club downwards- the movement should come from the hinge made by your wrists. An easy way to picture this move is to picture a karate chop- the hand swings from the inside and the arm is pulled across the chest.

6. On hitting the ball.

Your left side should be straightened once you hit the ball. The arms are then fully extended with the right shoulder down.

7. On the follow through.

Keep your right side moving along with the momentum of your swing. Resist the temptation to stop your movement prematurely. In this last position, your right foot should be on its toes, and the majority of your body weight is on your left heel.